Sailing Oh So Single on Freedom of the Seas

[Funsinger75]

Overture - Pre-Cruise

 

A little bit about me, I’m a single, 40 something teacher traveling single for this cruise because my boyfriend just a bought a new car, so cruising wasn’t in the budget for him this season.

 

We actually met on a singles cruise a couple of years ago and have since cruised with the singles group as a couple. (We like the social atmosphere and the “free” cocktail parties) This will be my 4th singles cruise and my 6th cruise overall.

 

Anyway, here’s what you’ll get from my trip report. A look inside what it’s like to cruise with a singles group, port and ship reviews, basic prices, some food porn and maybe a few laughs... maybe.

 

Before I get started, I should thank some folks here on Cruise Critic. Your reviews made the long cold winter months leading up to my trip bearable, so I’m paying it forward. CruiseLifeRick (Rick), A&L_Ont (Andrew), Maureencruiser (Maureen) and the original Cheapo Dad HarryFat1 (Harry). Are we ready? Are we set? Okay folks, get settled in to cruise single with me!

 

I left for Dulles airport around 6:15 am and was in the air by 8:30 on Friday. Fellow shipmates seated on both sides of me on the plane, a couple celebrating their 35 anniversary. It’s their first cruise. (Boy are they in for a treat!) On the other side a young family of 3 with a toddler in tow.

 

The little one was a real trooper during our flight. Parents were prepared with a headset for her ears, a tablet with her favorite kid shows, milk, snacks... they were ON IT. Well done Mom and Dad! Well done. I nap for a bit and read pull out my phone to read a bit during the flight. Soon we’ll all be sailing the Freedom of the Seas...

 

Flight landed in Puerto Rico on time despite a slightly delayed departure. Headed for baggage claim. Bags arrived pretty quickly (for 60 bucks, they should right?) A short taxi ride to the hotel was 22 dollars plus I tipped a few extra.

 

Checked in at the AC Marriott Hotel in Condado. Dropped off the bags and then walked a few blocks to have lunch at Pannes. They had a good rating on TripAdvisor so I decided to give it a try. Yummy beef and ham sandwich with fries.

 

Time to head over to the beach and check-out the view. Ah yes, finally THE BEACH! I relax and take it all in for a bit. There are more people further up on the beach with umbrellas at the Marriott Stellaris Resort, so that might be a good look if you’re looking to vacation here. I’ve done Old San Juan before as a port so I don’t feel the need to revisit this trip. Back to the hotel to unwind before the singles meet and greet tonight.

 

I find it interesting that so many tv shows are in English, but the commercials are mostly Spanish here. Anyway, those of you wondering about signs of hurricane damage here in PR, yes there are signs that something happened, a few stores still boarded up, but for the most part, things are bustling here in San Juan. I relax and watch some NCIS: New Orleans to pass the time.

 

Before you know it, 6:15 and time to get ready for the meet&greet. It’s funny, I always get butterflies for this, but then once I’m there... totally relaxed. I head down to the lounge and meet our host Shelby who I’ve sailed with before. I pick-up my beads (will explain later), we hug, talk about old cruise buddies, order drinks and she introduces me to the rest of the group. Everyone is drinking and schmoozing so we’re off to a good start! Most of the singles have sailed with a singles group before, some of them know each other from previous sailings and there’s also one couple.

 

The group decides to head over to another bar/restaurant called The Place for more drinking, but I decide to close out my tab and call it a night. I’ve been up since 5 am and want to save my drinking dollars for the ship!

 

I wake up at 5:30 am the morning of embarkation. (Still on my school year schedule) I watch some Law and Order and then an overwhelming need for Starbucks overtakes me. It’s 7:30 by now. I get up, get dressed and look out the window. DRAT! The storm clouds that threatened all day yesterday have opened up and it is pouring rain. No problem. I’ve got my poncho... Must. Have. Starbucks.

 

I exit the hotel and see a few die hard joggers and cruisers making the morning coffee run. I get my grande soy caramel macchiato and sausage, egg and cheese muffin. Head back to the hotel and chow down. Now I’m ready for the day.

 

Okay, so... normally I like to be among the first group of people onboard the ship, but since this is an evening departure and the weather is crappy, I think I’ll take my time today. Who knows, I may be able to avoid any long lines and walk straight on to the ship. Check-out is at noon, so I’ll head over to the Pan American Pier around then.

 

As a side note, did I mention that there was a visit from the upgrade fairy on this cruise? I originally booked a budget-conscious interior stateroom. My super-smart assigned roommate for this sailing saw there was a price drop a few weeks ago, called the travel agency and got us an upgrade to an accessible oceanview. SO SWEET! (Or should I say SUITE as these accessible cabins have almost the same amount of square footage)

 

I will attempt to post this pre-cruise report using Tapatalk for pictures and such, but please keep in mind that this is not a LIVE Report. I repeat. This concludes the LIVE portion of my trip report. Now don’t worry, I know the LIVE reports are awesome, but I AM NOT paying for WiFi. Sorry.

When I return home in a week, I’ll have the whole summer to give a more detailed report of my shenanigans onboard the June 23rd sailing of Freedom of the Seas!

 

 

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My super-smart assigned roommate for this sailing saw there was a price drop a few weeks ago, called the travel agency and got us an upgrade to an accessible oceanview

I have never cruised as a single. How do you get an assigned roomate, especially a super smart one

[cb at sea]

They are on a "singles GROUP" booking.

[Funsinger75]

Embarkation Day

 

So as I mentioned earlier, it’s raining here in San Juan. Makes me appreciate the weather I’ve had on all my previous sailings: bright and sunny! Not so much today. I also mentioned that I would be waiting until noon to head over to the pier. This did not happen. I was up and ready to see that ship by 11:00 am. Just couldn’t wait any longer. I called my family at home to let them know I was signing off all communication and going to the pier. After reading reviews online, I decided to give Uber a try.

 

Now let me say, I’ve never used Uber before so trying it out in a place where Spanish is the first language may not have been my best idea.

After settling up at the hotel front desk, I go out to the valet area and await my Uber. A manager at the hotel asks if I need a taxi. I say no thanks “I’ve called an Uber!” The rate quoted for my trip was 7 bucks to drive the 4 miles to the pier. Fair enough. Then I get a text message saying that due to high volume my fair would be higher and would I like to cancel? Well, no. Not now when I’m standing outside the hotel with my luggage in tow. Anyway, the manager of the hotel comes over to inform me that I will need to walk to the front of the hotel to catch my Uber as they are not allowed to pull into the hotels and Uber GPS will not give the driver my exact address.

 

Um... okay... The manager is very nice and offers to walk my luggage to the front for me. My driver is 4 minutes away. She says “you’ll have to call him so he knows where to pick you up” okay... I call and start to talk to him, BUT -you guessed it, no Habla inglese! The manager takes my phone and starts to explain my location to him in Spanish. He arrives finally, takes my luggage and off we go in the pouring rain.

 

Let’s fast forward a bit... after a pretty quick check-in and 2 bottles of sangria purchased at the pier, I’ve had lunch in the Windjammer (nothing special) and walked the main decks of the ship a few times. Met my roommate Klaudia and now I’m drinking at the pool bar. One lava flow down and now I’m working on a mango margarita! I’m chatting it up at the bar and cracking jokes with all sorts of people when a woman comes up and introduces herself to me as Zee!

 

Zee is a fellow singles cruiser and we’ve met up on social media in preparation for this cruise. She orders a drink and we laugh and talk for a bit before the cruise host and a few others gather around in preparation for the singles ship tour.

 

I’m ready to head back to my room and relax. Soon it will be time for muster and to get ready for the first of two singles cocktail parties before dinner. By the way, that 7 dollar Uber ride turned out to be 17 dollars before it was all said and done. I also tipped the driver a couple dollars, so... I don’t know that it was any cheaper than a regular old convenient TAXI!

 

Okay, time for muster. This really will be my last LIVE post. I leave you with a pic of my super sweet cabin and some artwork on the ship.

 

 

 

See you in a week maties!

 

 

 

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[Funsinger75]

ACT I: Evening Day 1

 

I’m back in port after a fabulous week! Let’s pick-up where we left off, shall we?

 

So, after the muster drill, I head back to my cabin to see if all my luggage has been delivered... which it has! Korinne, our cheeky room steward introduces herself as she drops off my luggage and chastises me for walking around in the hallway with no shoes on. I take this opportunity to start unpacking and get ready for the cocktail party on Deck 14 in Olive and Twist.

 

There are about 18 singles in our group: 9 women and 9 men. This is definitely the smallest gathering I’ve sailed with. For those wanting know, the two biggest singles sailings happen at Halloween and New Year’s.

Easily 200 to 350 people. Other sailings probably range anywhere from about 40 to 100 people, but holiday sailings like Valentine’s and Memorial Day are always popular as well.

 

Anyway, the complimentary drinks are flowing, the DJ is jammin’ and we are all chatting about excursions we have planned for the week. Tomorrow is St. Martin, which I’ve been to a couple of times before. There’s decent shopping in port and I love Orient beach, but unfortunately that area has not recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Irma.

 

The guys are doing their own thing tomorrow in port: scuba, rum distillery. A few of us ladies decide to meet-up at the pool bar in the morning and just grab a taxi to one of the beaches on the island. I suggested Friar’s Bay.

 

Back to the party, we all hit the dance floor to do a little Cupid Shuffle before heading up to the Isaacs Dining room for dinner. I apologize in advance for not bringing my phone to take pics, but I had the escargots, chicken marsala and warm hazelnut chocolate cake for dinner. The dessert was the star of the show tonight. Portion sizes were noticeably smaller as well.

 

After dinner, my roommate and I decide to check-out the Welcome Aboard Show in the Arcadia Theater on Deck 4. We arrive a little late as Drew, our Cruise Director, welcomes us aboard. There is a man and woman balancing act followed by a pretty funny comedian.

 

It has been a long day for me and at this point it’s close to midnight. I go to bed while Klaudia hits the casino.

 

Coming up next... Day 2 in St. Martin

 

 

 

 

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[Cruise a holic]

ACT I: Evening Day 1

 

I’m back in port after a fabulous week! Let’s pick-up where we left off, shall we?

 

So, after the muster drill, I head back to my cabin to see if all my luggage has been delivered... which it has! Korinne, our cheeky room steward introduces herself as she drops off my luggage and chastises me for walking around in the hallway with no shoes on. I take this opportunity to start unpacking and get ready for the cocktail party on Deck 14 in Olive and Twist.

 

There are about 18 singles in our group: 9 women and 9 men. This is definitely the smallest gathering I’ve sailed with. For those wanting know, the two biggest singles sailings happen at Halloween and New Year’s.

Easily 200 to 350 people. Other sailings probably range anywhere from about 40 to 100 people, but holiday sailings like Valentine’s and Memorial Day are always popular as well.

 

Anyway, the complimentary drinks are flowing, the DJ is jammin’ and we are all chatting about excursions we have planned for the week. Tomorrow is St. Martin, which I’ve been to a couple of times before. There’s decent shopping in port and I love Orient beach, but unfortunately that area has not recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Irma.

 

The guys are doing their own thing tomorrow in port: scuba, rum distillery. A few of us ladies decide to meet-up at the pool bar in the morning and just grab a taxi to one of the beaches on the island. I suggested Friar’s Bay.

 

Back to the party, we all hit the dance floor to do a little Cupid Shuffle before heading up to the Isaacs Dining room for dinner. I apologize in advance for not bringing my phone to take pics, but I had the escargots, chicken marsala and warm hazelnut chocolate cake for dinner. The dessert was the star of the show tonight. Portion sizes were noticeably smaller as well.

 

After dinner, my roommate and I decide to check-out the Welcome Aboard Show in the Arcadia Theater on Deck 4. We arrive a little late as Drew, our Cruise Director, welcomes us aboard. There is a man and woman balancing act followed by a pretty funny comedian.

 

It has been a long day for me and at this point it’s close to midnight. I go to bed while Klaudia hits the casino.

 

Coming up next... Day 2 in St. Martin

 

 

 

 

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You can looks large for an ocean view Is it an accessible cabin?

[Funsinger75]

Yes, we were upgraded a few weeks prior to sailing from a regular interior to an accessible ocean view!

 

 

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[Funsinger75]

Day 2: St. Martin, Kymsha Beach

 

I don’t know if it’s all the drinking I did last night or the rather hard bed, but I got no sleep the first night. I had to move over to the sofa to catch a few winks at some point in the early morning.

 

By 8:00 am it is time to get up and get ready to meet Barbara (another single) in the Leonardo dining room on Deck 3 for breakfast. Klaudia is running late so she meets us there a little after 9:00. I have the eggs Benedict (not as good as I remember). Anyhoo, Klaudia joins us and we discuss last night’s shenanigans at the cocktail party.

 

I head back to my room to get all of my beach belongings together before heading up to the pool deck. Once there, we run into a couple of guys from the group ordering drinks at the bar. We talk a bit and then decide to get a table. Before you know it, there’s a group of us sitting around, boozing it up in the morning. I take a break from the drinking after my sleepless night and just enjoy the company.

 

Eventually, four of us: Klaudia, Barbara, Kira and myself make for the pier. Once we get there we head for the visitor/taxi kiosk and ask about Friar’s Bay. They offer round trip rides to Maho Beach (where the airplanes take-off) or Kymsha Beach. The guy says Friar’s Bay and Kymsha are very similar, so for 14 bucks each we get a yellow wristband that provides us transportation there and back.

 

It’s about a 20 minute taxi ride to Kymsha and we are in beach paradise! (

For twenty dollars we get two chairs and an umbrella. The water is perfect. After an hour in the water, we run into Gordon’s boat coming back from his scuba trip and soon Steve joins us in the water coming back from his excursion tour.

 

I get out of the water to go grab some food for me and Klaudia at the Greenhouse restaurant located right there on the beach. She gets the calamari, I get the chicken-loaded Mexican potato skins with sour cream. YUM!!!! Sorry, I’m really dropping the ball here on food pics. Will try to do better Day 3.

 

Back in the water we go to cool off for another half hour or so before leaving the beach. We make our way back and decide to part ways at the visitor’s center. The girls want to look around and shop a little, but I just want to get back on the ship and take a nap which is exactly what I do.

 

After my nap it’s time to get ready for Singles Battle of the Sexes Trivia with the rest of the group on Deck 14. We have a private room for this event as well.

 

The guys win....Next.

 

Dinner tonight was the seafood vol-au-vent (YUM), French onion soup (DOUBLE YUM), Seafood Linguini (just okay) and the apple pie ala mode. Several people had the beef tenderloin and said it was very good. For me, the soup was the highlight.

 

The show tonight is a broadway variety show called Marquee, but I have an early morning with my excursion in St. Kitts tomorrow and of course there’s the time needed to jot down today’s events for you fine readers....So back to my super suite cabin I go! Oh look, a friend decided to visit me!

It’s 11:30 and I need to look through tomorrow’s cruise compass before hitting the sheets. FYI, for you late night folks, the comedian who performed at the welcome aboard show is doing a late-night adults only performance at 11:45. Klaudia‘s probably doing her thing in the casino since her excursion doesn’t meet until noon.

 

Next up, Day 3: St. Kitts, Panoramic Tour.

 

 

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[Funsinger75]

Day 3: St. Kitts Panoramic Tour

 

I mentioned to Korinne that I had problems sleeping on the bed last night. She said “I’ll see what I can do.” By the time I got back for my nap yesterday afternoon, some sort of padding had been added, so I had a much better night’s sleep.

 

I awoke around 7:30 and started to get ready to meet Barbara again for breakfast in the dining room by 8:45.

This morning I opt for the dining room buffet as opposed to ordering off the menu. Coffee (of course) Eggs with Ham and Cheese, a little Bacon with Sausage and a Blueberry Muffin. As I walk back to our table, who should we see being seated right next to us.... it’s Kira!

 

We enjoy our breakfast by the window with a view of the port and discuss plans for the day. I head off to the pier in time for my Panoramic Tour of the island [emoji267]

I wait about 15 minutes at the meet-up point before our tickets are collected and we are walked directly over to our shuttle. Nice big windows and I get to ride shotgun!

 

Our tour guide Nigel is very charismatic and has immediately got jokes for everyone. First a tour of downtown Basseterre, then we stop off at a hotel with beautiful gardens and pool.

Next we head up island to the more rural sections. He points out areas of interest and then we head to the resort area of the island. If you ever come to St. Kitts for a land-based trip, the Marriott is the only way to go. Trust me on this. Some beautiful views here.

We do a steady climb up the hill and stop for a chance to stretch our legs, do a little shopping and of course take some selfies!

 

I try a local soda beverage - the Ting. You can add a shot of local vodka to it and have what they call a “Ting with a Sting!” I decide to save my alcohol consumption for tonight’s cocktail party.

 

We go back towards the port and are let off in the middle of all the shopping. This is great for those who want to shop. Me? I walk right back to the ship ... and the air conditioning. The cost of this tour was 29 dollars. I promised myself I would stick to the budget for this cruise which DOES NOT include a whole lot of shopping. Normally the jewelry stores are calling my name, but not today friends. Not today.

 

I run into Klaudia on my way back to the ship. (Casino walk of shame for her!) It’s almost 1:00 and she’s just getting herself together for the day, but it’s all good; this is what I love about cruising. Do what you want!

 

Anyway, I drop my bag off in the cabin and go up to Deck 5 for some coffee in Cafe Promenade. A little people-watching before lunch and it gives Korinne time to clean our room.

 

So, the truth of the matter is, I really value and enjoy my alone time. This moment, a cup of coffee after my tour, is the first time I’ve been alone since boarding the ship. Ah yes, THIS is vacation! There’s a champagne art auction at 4:30 in the On Air karaoke lounge. I might check that out. Tonight’s singles cocktail party is a country western theme. I’ve packed my cowboy hat. We’ll see if I actually decide to wear it. It’s time for lunch and I’m craving pizza. Sorrento’s is just across the way so that’s where I’m headed.

The Pizza is not what I remembered (sad face).

 

After lunch, I find a little corner on the 4th deck lounge to read my book. I eventually go back to my room and watch CSI before getting a phone call from Barbara... “Buenas Dias! Free champagne and mimosas at the 4:30 art auction.. you in?” I knew I liked that girl.

 

The art auction was a first, but we had a good time. I bought something that had personal significance for me. It only cost 50 bucks, so I won’t sweat the impulse buy too hard.

I go back to my cabin to get ready for the country western themed party. One of the dance instructors from the ship leads us in some line dancing.

Complimentary cocktails are flowing.

 

I GET LIT!!!!

 

Dinner:

 

I get the Seafood Cake (sorry no pic)

Beef Short Ribs and

Warm Dark Chocolate Cookie

 

All were good.

 

Later, the DJ is spinning Michael Jackson in the Viking Crown Lounge and we are dancing the night away... up next, Day 4 Antigua, Scenic Tour and BEACH! Goodnight.

 

 

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What cabin number are you in?

[Funsinger75]

What cabin number are you in?

 

 

 

Cabin 2640

 

 

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[Funsinger75]

Day 4: Scenic Antigua and Beach

 

I awake around 8:30 and get dressed for my day. Breakfast, then an island and beach tour. I am doing breakfast solo in the dining room today. The line is long, but it’s all good, this gives me time to journal. My roomie is still counting sheep after another late night in the casino.

 

So, some people may wonder about my art auction purchase... here’s the scoop. First, you tour the art gallery and put a little sticky with your bid number on anything that catches your eye. Gallery staff are circulating to give you a price breakdown on these pieces should you want to purchase before the auction. This only lasts 10 minutes. The interesting part is the actual auction. I have to say the art auctioneer was very entertaining and very clear about how things would work. He had good jokes too!

 

There’s a bang of the gavel to open the bidding which was fast and furious. His assistants start yelling out each time a bid is made. There are mystery or blind bids placed for artwork before it is even seen. This could be a good deal if it happens to be something you actually like.

 

A couple of folks bid over 35 thousand for some pieces. Let me be clear. This is not me... AT ALL! I appreciate good art, but most teachers don’t have that kind of a budget. I am; however, a fan of animation art cels, so of course one of my childhood favorites: Garfield is put up for auction. Yup! You got it. That’s my highbrow art purchase for 50 bucks. There was a bidding war and I won. It makes me smile and will be a good momento of the cruise. Maybe I’ll hang it in the kitchen? Anyway, the line for breakfast has gone down. Back to the dining room.

 

I order the classic breakfast.

I’m seated with a lovely family from Ireland and a Florida couple this morning. We reminisce about Jolly Old England. I explain what grits are (smile). This is another thing I love about cruising... meeting people from all over the world and discussing cultural differences... like why the Brits put butter on EVERYTHING?! Before you know it, it’s time to leave the ship.

 

We are in port with the the Carnival Fascination right along side. There’s a nice breeze. A steel drum band is playing away

I’m a bit early, nothing to do but stand in line and journal for you fine folks. I wonder if Klaudia is up yet?

 

The tour gets started, we are shown the various churches, plants and wildlife. Next, a lookout stop at Shirley Heights and then on to Nelson’s Dockyard. After a short tour, we roam the dockyard and museum.

It’s a 30 minute stop and then on to Fort James Beach and Miller’s By the Sea. The bus driver and tour guide lead us in a singalong of “Day-O” and “When The Saints Go Marching In.” They conclude by singing for us Antigua’s National Anthem. Did I mention that I’m a music teacher? Music, Music Everywhere. LOVE IT!!!

 

We arrive at the beach. A rum punch and beach chair are included. Umbrellas and food are extra. Yet another paradise awaits...

I end up having a grand ole time chillin in the ocean with two couples from Texas.

 

It’s about 3:00 and time to head back to the ship. The cost of this tour was 65 dollars. Something that’s nice about the port in Antigua.... the gangway is right there. You’re not forced to walk through tons of stores and it’s a short walk to get back on the ship which is kinda nice after a 5 hour excursion. In any event, I get back onboard. Lunch is needed. Off to the Windjammer I go! A little of this, a little of that, some dessert and I’m all set.

 

I head back to my super suite cabin for a shower and also to relax a bit. I have a 6 pm meeting in the art gallery (to discuss the careful shipping and handling of Garfield) After that, it’s the white party... and dinner of course.

 

We shall see what the evening holds for me after dinner. Tonight’s the ice skating show as well as the Love & Marriage Game Show, but these don’t peak my interest. Will it be more drinking and dancing or will it be a show? The movie Pitch Perfect is playing on the pool deck and I’ve been wanting to see that as well. Only time will tell.

 

I’ll have to give you the evening’s highlights tomorrow on Day 5 in St. Lucia. I have no excursion planned. It may be a port/ship day. I could use one of those right about now. Jacuzzi and cocktails anyone? I’ll leave you with tonight’s dinner:

 

Maryland Crab Cake (Not Good)

French Onion Soup (YUM)

Chicken Breast (Not Good)

Grand Marnier Souflee (Not Good)

Creme Brûlée (YUM)

 

 

 

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[Cruise a holic]

The onion soup looks yummy!

[Funsinger75]

The onion soup looks yummy!

 

 

 

It was and it’s on the appetizer menu almost every night. SO GOOD!

 

 

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[Funsinger75]

Act II: Day 5, Saint Lucia: Ship Day

 

It was an early night last evening, I was in bed by 11:00 pm. It was white night and the private karaoke/cocktail party was a blast! We rocked it! The girls all sang ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” and I did a rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect.” (They don’t call me Funsinger for nothin’ folks!)

 

Last night’s dinner was a little disappointing, but what can you do, right? Service was slow and the food left a lot to be desired, but everyone is allowed an off night I guess. Tonight we are all dining at Chops Grille which is a “specialty” restaurant: an upscale dining experience for a 35 dollar upcharge. I’ve always enjoyed Chops in the past, so hopefully it will be worth it again.

 

Today I’m on the ship enjoying a cup of coffee from Cafe Promenade with no excursion planned for St. Lucia. Maybe I’ll get off the ship. Maybe not. We’ll just see....

 

I had my usual breakfast in the dining room and happened to be seated with the same Florida couple from yesterday. I know it’s hard to believe, but there are actually 3500 passengers on this ship. The fact that I always seem to run into the same people I’ve just met is another fun side of cruising.

 

I ordered an omelette with ham, herbs and cheese and bacon/ sausage on the side.

I’m not feeling tonight’s singles card game before dinner so that means my schedule is wide open until 8 p.m.

 

Something I meant to address earlier: .... THE BEADS! You may have noticed that I, along with the other singles pictured in this report, am wearing a beaded necklace with letters on it. These beads spell-out your name. Each singles sailing has a specially designed bead for that specific cruise. These necklaces gain you entry into the private parties and events held throughout the duration of your cruise. Yes it’s true, they do not compliment every outfit, but it works. Frequent singles cruisers collect them; so when you sail again, there will be people with LOTS of designed beads on their necklaces.

 

There is a small fee added to the price of your cruise when you book with a singles group. It’s about 140 dollars, HOWEVER, this covers your singles host and complimentary alcohol at several events during the cruise. So far we’ve had three cocktail parties ...as much as you’d like to drink (responsibly). To me, it’s totally worth it.

 

Anyhoo... for relaxing, reading and writing this trip report, I like to use the bar area on Deck 4, Aft. Nice big windows and comfortable seats. I’ll look at the cruise compass to see what’s happening on the ship today and check in with my review/thoughts on dinner tonight.

 

Spent the afternoon watching a movie poolside: “I Can Only Imagine” about the Christian rock band Mercy Me. Good movie and the song is one of my personal favorites. Along come some fellow singles cruisers: Barbara, John and Eric. We talk for a bit and then Barbara and I head off for lunch in the Windjammer. Sweet and sour chicken and pasta with a cream sauce. Not bad. Sorry, no pic.

 

Around 5:00 I decide do a little reading in my room. Klaudia’s back from her excursion and counting sheep. Later, I have a few glasses of Sangria in my room

Drinks while getting ready for dinner is always fun. I meet-up with the group for drinks in the Schooner Bar at 8:00, then go to Deck 11, Chops Grille for dinner:

 

Caesar Salad

Peppered Bacon

9 oz filet mignon

Mac and Cheese

Creamed Spinach

Key Lime Pie for Dessert

 

This was by far the best meal of the cruise. Be aware, it was a 2 1/2 hour dining experience. We had planned to do The Quest Show at 10:30, but not possible with our 8:30 dinner time, so plan accordingly. The conversation was great, the wine was flowing (a member of our group generously bought several bottles for the table!) It was a nice evening.

 

Tomorrow is Day 6, Flavors of Barbados

 

 

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[Cruise a holic]

Tell me about the white night party I have been on royal but never participated. is it indoors? drinks and food? special attire? Time?